If medical dramas were actually accurate, nurses would get a hell of a lot more air time. From taking vitals to administering medication and working directly with patients, nurses are the heartbeat of the hospital. Whether they’re doing rounds, aiding in surgery or pulling overnight shifts, they spend hours on their feet. So when it comes to finding a good, quality shoe that’s supportive and comfortable for all-day wear, nurses know what they’re talking about.
“I look for comfort. I mean, that’s gonna be your biggest thing,” Jacquelyn Coles Bielich, a registered nurse and clinical specialist at Medtronic, told HuffPost. “You’re wearing these shoes for an extended period of time, whether you work eight-hour shifts, a full 12 or staying extra and doing the 16.”
As Coles Bielich describes it, the ideal nursing shoe isn’t just good for standing. They need to be comfortable and supportive for walking and even running if there’s an emergency they need to get to quickly. They also have to be comfortable and supportive when bending over and interacting with reclined or seated patients or grabbing things from low storage.
“When you’re standing in those positions for so long, your body changes,” Coles Bielich said. “Your lower back may sway out a little bit or your knees may bend, you might shift your weight back and forth from each leg to try to like alleviate those pressure points.”
With this in mind, Coles Bielich suggests really moving around in a pair of shoes before deciding to wear them. You want to get a feel for walking, bending, standing and feeling supported all the way.
Whether you’re also a nurse or you’re just in the market for a good pair of supportive shoes, Coles Bielich and other nurses shared their favorite kicks to wear at work.
HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Dansko Professional clogs come in 10 colors in women's sizes 4.5-13 and men sizes 4.5-10. This popular style has PU soles printed with a wood pattern.
The Nike Air Max 270 comes in 11 colors in women's sizes 5-12 and men's sizes 6-15.
The Adidas Ultraboost women's running shoes come in eight colors in women's sizes 5-12, and in nine colors in men's sizes 4-18.
The Brooks Ghost 15 running shoes come in 18 colors in women's sizes 5-13, and in 16 colors in men's sizes 7-15.
These On Cloud sneakers come in 15 colors in women's sizes 5-11 and men's sizes 7-14.
The Hoka Bondi comes in 11 colors in women's sizes 5-12, and in 12 colors in men's sizes 7-16.
These ASICS Gel-Venture 8 running shoes come in 28 colors in women's sizes 5-12, with wide options, and in 25 colors in men's sizes 7-15 with wide and extra-wide options.
These Veja Rio Branco sneakers come in four colors in women's sizes 5-11 and men's sizes 8-12.
These Lisa Frank-style crocs come in women's sizes 5-12 and men's sizes 3-13.
Clove Classics come in 26 colors in women's sizes 5-12.5 and men's sizes 7-13.
Promising Amazon review: “I am an ER nurse who is on my feet for 12 hour shifts, so I am always on the search for COMFORTABLE shoes. I have decided through much trial an error that Clarks are the best. I have 4 pairs of their shoes and these were my latest purchase. The problem with some comfortable shoes are they are hideous. These are stylish and comfortable to work in. Although I would wear these as well to run around in on my days off too. You cannot go wrong with these shoes.” — cdafft
Promising Clarks review: “I have been purchasing this style for what I believe is the last decade. I’m on my third pair. Just picked up my 4th as my others are finally showing wear and tear. So comfortable. Durable. Can wear them at work where I can be on my feet for 8-10 hours. I have slightly narrow feet and a narrow heel which makes finding shoes that fit well a bit of a hunt. Dressy enough but still casual. I hope this style is never discontinued!” — LH-MN
Before You Go
